Into the dark night Resignedly I go, I am not so afraid of the dark night As the friends I do not know, I do not fear the night above As I fear the friends below.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a fear of isolation and the unknown in relationships rather than the fear of darkness itself.
In this quote, Stevie Smith expresses a profound fear of loneliness and unfamiliarity in human connections. While the darkness of night can be intimidating, the poet emphasizes that the real dread comes from the unknown friendships and connections that may not materialize. It suggests that our anxieties about social interactions and acceptance can often overshadow the more external fears around us.
In practice
This quote could be used to highlight the importance of maintaining friendships during difficult times at a mental health seminar.
My friendships, they are a very strong part of my life, they are as light as gossamer but also they are as strong as steel. And I cannot throw them off, nor altogether do with them or without them. And I love them at the point where they say: It is nice to see you again. And I love them too at the point when they say: Good-bye, come again soon. The rhythm of friendship is a very good rhythm.
Nobody heard him, the dead man, But still he lay moaning. I was much further out than you thought, and not waving but drowning. I was much too far out all my life, And not waving but drowning.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Between friends there is no need of justice.
I had eventually come to understand that friendship was a delicate, gradual process that mustn’t be rushed or seized upon but allowed and encouraged to take its course over time. I pictured it as a butterfly, simultaneously beautiful and fragile, that once afloat belonged to the air and any attempt to grab at it would only destroy it.
The ease of his manner freed me from painful restraint; the friendly frankness, as correct as cordial, with which he treated me, drew me to him
They're a rotten crowd', I shouted across the lawn. 'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.
Strangers are family you haven't recognize yet
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.